There is an argument that longines is an underrated brand with a long history of milestones including first chronograph and flyback, first watch with two time zones and first with a rotating bezel among many others
My Flagship Heritage 41mm is the first luxury watch I ever bought myself, and I love it. This is such a common opinion at this point, though, that at some point they aren't "under" rated anymore, and just "rated". 😂
I repair vintage watches and the quality of vintage Longines movements really stand out. With the risk of criticism,I would say they are not far off from lecoultre quality. Search Google for Longines cal 27.0s or 27m as an example.
They are underrated in the Anglosphere because they are perceived as an expensive 'mall watch', but in Asia their brand holds weight. The other problem is that their contributions to horology have largely been lost thanks to Swatch.
I agree with RJ about Rolex. If you look at the watches very objectively outside the social/ cultural context they are very well made, very accurate and reliable to the extent that they are hard to beat. Add to this the iconic designs and amazing heritage and you have outstanding value for money at retail for the product. The stuff that people dislike Rolex for is outside all of this. Not enough people focus on the actual product alone so, yes, they are underrated.
That's also the view I try to take with Rolex. Rolex will never be patek,and patek will never be Rolex,because they build watches with different priorities in mind. Hans wilsdorf the creator of Rolex wanted watches to be waterproof,well made,durable and accurate.This philosophy is still being adopted today. Their movements are nicely finished but accuracy and durability is their first priority. Patek dont have the same priorities,which is why you won't want to wear one up a mountain or beneath the sea.
Well said. The watch restoration videos - when they open up old beaten up watches the movements are still in great shape. The engineering to secure the movements is very underrated.
I don’t get it. When the average person sees a fancy watch and asks if it’s a Rolex, that’s not underrated. When it is synonymous with a nice watch and has been for generations, then it is not underrated. An underrated watch should be one that delivers/ punches above its weight and yet remains unknown.
Interesting podcast. GP is underrated. I run the Girard Perregaux laureato fan club Facebook group and we have over 2,000 members now who are all hungry for more info. I agree that the origin story is vague at best from GP. I am the one that busted the myth that Natalini designed the laureato in 1975. I tracked down his business partner in Italy last year who said no way did Natalini ever have anything to do with any watch design. The real designer of the laureato was an in-house GP designer and we discuss this more in the group. So the GP heritage Dept really needs to step up and make things simple and clear for a collector to be able to remember. Side note, the laureato 8010 36 mm is a hidden gem (I have 4 of them in my collection). At 7.9 mm thick it is the most rare laureato with only a few hundred made in full steel and a few hundred made in 2-tone. 🤝
@@marcn8750Yes please! I love my GP Laureato Chrono Panda and also believe they are horribly underrated with their amazing history, quality and secondary market devaluation.
The current Laureato in 38mm with the copper dial is an amazing watch to have on the wrist. Wears really nice around the wrist and the dial opening being smaller with the octogonal bezel make for a watch that doesn't look oversized on the wrist :)
Ball. The answer is Ball. Brand history? They’ve got it. Innovation? Absolutely. Willingness to take a chance and not just regurgitate old designs? Covered there as well. Their problem is that they have too many models. The catalog gets confusing. Things like the Marvelight (Milgauss competitor for a lot less) and the Hydrocarbon Original (go to war, take anything watch) are fantastic.
Glad someone else was thinking Ball. Who else will sell you a COSC certified 5 day power reserve watch with better shock protection than a Rolex for less than 3 grand? I can't name anyone
Many of the picks I agreed with for example Zenith but I thought there should have been more creative picks than say...Rolex. I would suggest Carl F. Bucherer as an underrated brand. More recently they have come up with some very interesting dials and colors. Their green and reds are quite interesting in my opinion. I quite like the Manero Flyback red with the canvas strap.
I think Citizen is underrated. Yes, they’re popular & sell mass amounts, but I don’t see much talk online or on TH-cam about them (aside from the Tsuyosa). Citizen has been making some really good watches.
If you want to talk big numbers and underrated, the prime contender is Orient. You can get a robust watch, with a pretty dial, and multiple complications on an in-house movement for less than £300. The fact that they're so under the radar is crazy to me.
I think Squale is very underrated, especially given is history in the diving world and their contributions to case's they have made for much larger brands, Blancpain, doxa, and others. I also like the fact that they have stayed true to only making tool watches and continue to make only dive watches. Their quality is great, and you get a tone of watch for the money.
Totally agree with RK on Rolex. Have IWC, omega, Lange and Patek, but Rolex is just so great for the money. Strip all the social stuff. It’s such a nice watch. Patek is actually a bit disappointing for what they charge for them. 324 movements ”upgrade” to 330 by adding a hacking seconds. Come on. Lazy as hell. I think Lange is still under rated to be honest. Such lovely watches.
Great episode, as a big fan of the early swatch era Breguets it's painful to see where they are today. I do think the new generation of Marines are awkward. Same with the new Type XXs which feel awkward with the extreme vintage apperance but also size, lack of case fluting, and the awful date. But I do love my classique gmt/alarm and can't wait to pick up the marine big date.
Regarding looking down on Rolex, I've been doing that for 15 years now. But I never underestimate their ability to crank out 1.2 million quality well built watches per year. The build quality is not why I look down on them. It's literally everything else. :)
JLC is underrated. JLC is at a curious spot that they are well-known and respected - but somehow, you don't see a lot of JLC on the wrists. The quality is there, the history is there, not to mention an iconic design that are instantly recognizable from across the room. Yet, JLC often seems to take a backseat in the world of quality watch brands.
They have some iconic designs, but none of them really hits a home run besides the reverso. Cases are bland and invoke less emotion than with many other brands (unfortunately cause the quality is there). Also, they are not sports oriented and the watch community at this moment is.
RJ: Glad you speak your mind and, IMHO, the truth. I agree with you about Rolex. I heard an "expert" online recently give Rolex a "C+" grade overall. Obviously, the buying public disagrees. I can love my Omega and appreciate my Rolex at the same time.
Really nice discussion and nice picks as well. Zenith and Breguet for what they represent in the horology history, had definitively to be in the list. Also as another person commented, JLC could make the cut. Maybe the ("crazy"?) price increases as of late didn't play in their favour? :) As for Rolex, really liked what RJ explained about the brand and their products. They do make great product with quality an timing precision at a huge scale. Something people tend to forget, because unfortunately as of recent years (and for shady reasons), availability has been an issue. You can always debate on prices (it is "luxury" product after all), but the designs (ok you could still find some that weren't good, but it's true for every brand), the innovation (yes yes :) and the quality are really good. People will say it was because of marketing and so on, but a bad product even with a good marketing wouldn't last for so long. And if you have one, wear it because you like it and not to impress or any reasons of that sort. On a side note at Fratello team, keep on with the talks and passionate discussions, it's a really cool format.
I own a Breguet 7097 and it’s far finer than any Patek or AP that I’ve held. The quality is insane and I’m lowkey happy they’re unappreciated because a mint 7097 in white gold at $24K is the best bargain in high horology.
I won't say I fully agree with the last brand (not CWC) however I get the point trying to be made. My favourite brand mentioned was Bréguet, because I believe they are leaving a lot on the table
The surprise of the day is that new Omega FOIS reissue. You should compare it to the numbered FOIS. Different enough? Particularly interested in that new sapphire.
Great episode en I agree with most suggestions. But only 1 brand is by far the most overlooked and underrate and you guys mentioned it. IT IS BREGUET. A much bigger history than Patek, VC and AP together. With the right marketing and diving into their history this should be the nr 1 brand. I only do not agree when you start talking about 34-35-36 mm watches. Yes the HUGE watches trend is over , we don't need 44+ but please keep it 38-39-40 and don't go back to 36 and less, also this will be a fad.
Rolex: the underrated 800lb gorilla with infinity money. Rated correctly I'd say. Love the GP and Zenith picks! 👌 Would love to add a GP to the collection.
Definitely agree that Zenith is underrated. For example, The Aaron Rodgers watch came out last October, it is absolutely a beautiful timepiece. A watch that is really never talked about.
At the 2:34 marker, I was thinking Breguet. Archetype of what's being described. And lo and behold, RJ starts with Breguet. They are underrated. Breguet, however, should not move to more modern design. I truly hope they will never go down that gauche road. They probably will, but they shouldn't. Regarding Hermes, they don't need marketing. One goes to Hermes, and if one is lucky, one is granted a purchase. Out of their benevolence. Hermes is a grumpy brand. One of the grumpiest. And I don't say this often: Rightfully so.
I think Jaeger-LeCoultre is underrated. It's too often seen as only the reverso, but they offer so much more and for enthusiasts who buy second wrist, the choices are vast and plentiful of quirks and complications. With outstanding quality to price ratio. Glashütte Original is also not respected as much as it should
The issue with Rolex is that they have a sour taste to the watch enthusiast industry. The policy to getting a watch is really absurd. This is the reason I turn to other brands such as Omega, Zenith, Cartier, IWC.
Odd to have 3 people in this discussion wearing the classic enthusiast brand watches. I think brands like Longines, Mühle Glashütte, AnOrdain, Naoya Hida, Hajime Asaoka or Sinn are underrated and deserve more attention.
Yes, but, without criticising Fratello because they have relatively broad taste, the watch community is basically very conformist, especially at 'higher levels'. It's like how almost everybody talks about how great Grand Seiko or Zenith watches are yet hardly anyone buys them. Luxury watch buying is largely a status seeking activity, regardless of what people say, so it makes sense that tastes generally follow predictable patterns.
Any brand that is compared to Rolex's prices steadiness, and in effect losing and not being bought by a customer is underrated. A watch is measured by its value on 2nd hand market instead for what it is and what it makes you feel.
I disagree about Breguet. Yes, it is underrated but no, it doesn't need to change a thing. There's a reason why it's been around for so long, and it doesn't need to join the homogeneity trend and do what all the other "big brands" do. Breguet makes wonderfully beautiful and classic watches, and I hope that it will continue doing so.
Saying that Breguet is on par with Lange is a little bit of a stretch, you can even argue that Patek is not quite on par with Lange in terms of finishing
News flash men are growing taller and bigger this isn’t France I’m 6”1 255 and have a 8 in wrist these 36 ladies watches are just that. You guys sit there musing like the elites that you think you are. Same boring talk of high priced watch that most people can’t afford. Why not open a museum put them under glass and those who want to waste their time can marvel at their unobtainable beauty. Keep it real boys who are you speaking to 3% of the population.
Well of course they're talking to 3% of the population. 97% of the population aren't into watches. And you'd be surprised at how small a watch you can pull off (not that you should go that way if it's not what you're into). Look at the Sopranos. James Gandolfini, who was 6'1" and never weighed less than 260lbs during the series wore a 36mm Rolex Day Date as Tony Soprano, and I don't think anyone would think it looked too small for him. Of course, I'm only 5'7" and 180 lbs myself and I'm wearing a 44mm watch as I type this, so bigger is ok too. Just find and wear what speaks to you. If a classic (and expensive) dress watch is your thing, an IWC Portugieser 44mm would probably be a good fit for a gentleman of your stature. A large or XL Santos De Cartier would work great as well. Or if you're not crazy enough to spend thousands, there are really nice steel G Shocks that start at a few hundred on Sakura Watch. That's the fun thing about this hobby. There is something for everyone and it's about finding the watch that is for you personally and no one else.
Bregeut shouldn't be part of the Swatch group. Richemont would be more suitable. Swatch have no idea what to do with them and don't care. The other problem is that dress watches are out, especially in the west. We are all plebs now, so elevated tool watches are in. Hopefully dress watches make a comeback sometime in the future. I also think watch lovers should reject brands like Hermes moving into their space. Let them just make overpriced bags for
Ok, I'm gonna push back on Rolex being underrated. I'm sorry, but they are overrated, overpriced, and are not that special. Are they good? Sure. Are they better made than an IWC Ingenieur in titanium? Maybe for all I know, I've never handled one of those.Still, can you get watches that are just as good or better for way kess than a Rolex at MSRP? Absolutely. In the early 2020's I worked for a grey market retailer that sold Rolexes below MSRP (yes that existed not too long ago). No, we didn't have Daytonas or GMT Masters, but plenty of Datejusts, Yatchtmasters, and the occassional steel Sub, and objectively they are not any nicer than a Seamaster (another watch we sonetimes sold), or AquaTerra that retail for thousands less. In fact, the Sub is not any nicer than a Seiko Marinemaster (which I wore when selling and showing some of those Rolexes, so I've handked and tried them on side by side). Now, if you own and love a Rolex, don't let me rain on your parade, I can't tell you your taste is "wrong". But the idea that they have anything that an Omega or high end Seiko (a Marinenaster is/was a $2-$3K Seiko you won't find at Macy's or Kay's) is just silly. They''re realistically worth maybe a grand more than their Tudor counterparts with the rest of the RRP being pure brand tax (Which isn't an insult. Tudors sre great watches and they aren't cheap). Value at RRP? I guess if you're gonna sell one later to buy something else (they don't take the same kind of hit on the secondary market that an Omega or top of the line Seiko dies). Otherwise, you either have to really hate the proportions of the competition or else you're overpaying by thousands.
There is an argument that longines is an underrated brand with a long history of milestones including first chronograph and flyback, first watch with two time zones and first with a rotating bezel among many others
Longines is def underrated in my opinion
Longines is definitely a top contender. The vintage Ultra-Chron and L990 models are still so underrated.
My Flagship Heritage 41mm is the first luxury watch I ever bought myself, and I love it. This is such a common opinion at this point, though, that at some point they aren't "under" rated anymore, and just "rated". 😂
I repair vintage watches and the quality of vintage Longines movements really stand out.
With the risk of criticism,I would say they are not far off from lecoultre quality.
Search Google for Longines cal 27.0s or 27m as an example.
They are underrated in the Anglosphere because they are perceived as an expensive 'mall watch', but in Asia their brand holds weight.
The other problem is that their contributions to horology have largely been lost thanks to Swatch.
I agree with RJ about Rolex. If you look at the watches very objectively outside the social/ cultural context they are very well made, very accurate and reliable to the extent that they are hard to beat. Add to this the iconic designs and amazing heritage and you have outstanding value for money at retail for the product. The stuff that people dislike Rolex for is outside all of this. Not enough people focus on the actual product alone so, yes, they are underrated.
That's also the view I try to take with Rolex.
Rolex will never be patek,and patek will never be Rolex,because they build watches with different priorities in mind.
Hans wilsdorf the creator of Rolex wanted watches to be waterproof,well made,durable and accurate.This philosophy is still being adopted today.
Their movements are nicely finished but accuracy and durability is their first priority.
Patek dont have the same priorities,which is why you won't want to wear one up a mountain or beneath the sea.
Well said. The watch restoration videos - when they open up old beaten up watches the movements are still in great shape. The engineering to secure the movements is very underrated.
I don’t get it. When the average person sees a fancy watch and asks if it’s a Rolex, that’s not underrated. When it is synonymous with a nice watch and has been for generations, then it is not underrated. An underrated watch should be one that delivers/ punches above its weight and yet remains unknown.
Interesting podcast.
GP is underrated. I run the Girard Perregaux laureato fan club Facebook group and we have over 2,000 members now who are all hungry for more info.
I agree that the origin story is vague at best from GP. I am the one that busted the myth that Natalini designed the laureato in 1975. I tracked down his business partner in Italy last year who said no way did Natalini ever have anything to do with any watch design.
The real designer of the laureato was an in-house GP designer and we discuss this more in the group.
So the GP heritage Dept really needs to step up and make things simple and clear for a collector to be able to remember.
Side note, the laureato 8010 36 mm is a hidden gem (I have 4 of them in my collection). At 7.9 mm thick it is the most rare laureato with only a few hundred made in full steel and a few hundred made in 2-tone.
🤝
Thanks for sharing this!
@@FratelloMagazine would you like me to share the link to the GP group here? Wanted to check if that was ok or not first. 🤝
@@marcn8750Yes please! I love my GP Laureato Chrono Panda and also believe they are horribly underrated with their amazing history, quality and secondary market devaluation.
@@marcn8750 Sure!
The current Laureato in 38mm with the copper dial is an amazing watch to have on the wrist. Wears really nice around the wrist and the dial opening being smaller with the octogonal bezel make for a watch that doesn't look oversized on the wrist :)
How about a podcast about German watchbrands, like Hanhart is really underrated
Thanks for the tip! We can do that!
The Muhle on my wrist agrees
Ulysse Nardin, Longines, JLC all three have made horological masterpieces for more than a century…
But very under appreciated…
Ball. The answer is Ball. Brand history? They’ve got it. Innovation? Absolutely. Willingness to take a chance and not just regurgitate old designs? Covered there as well. Their problem is that they have too many models. The catalog gets confusing. Things like the Marvelight (Milgauss competitor for a lot less) and the Hydrocarbon Original (go to war, take anything watch) are fantastic.
Glad someone else was thinking Ball. Who else will sell you a COSC certified 5 day power reserve watch with better shock protection than a Rolex for less than 3 grand? I can't name anyone
(Neo) vintage Chopard is incredibly underrated. One of my favorite watches is the Chopard 1168. It uses a lovely JLC ebauche movement.
Many of the picks I agreed with for example Zenith but I thought there should have been more creative picks than say...Rolex. I would suggest Carl F. Bucherer as an underrated brand. More recently they have come up with some very interesting dials and colors. Their green and reds are quite interesting in my opinion. I quite like the Manero Flyback red with the canvas strap.
I think Citizen is underrated. Yes, they’re popular & sell mass amounts, but I don’t see much talk online or on TH-cam about them (aside from the Tsuyosa). Citizen has been making some really good watches.
Taking over Seikos role as a provider of great value (imo)
I think they are far superior to Seiko.
I have to disagree. Outside a fee models the designs are often quite strange and not in a good way, with very awkward dial layouts.
Does anyone else think the 1050 deserves all the love the Tsuyosa seems to get?
If you want to talk big numbers and underrated, the prime contender is Orient. You can get a robust watch, with a pretty dial, and multiple complications on an in-house movement for less than £300. The fact that they're so under the radar is crazy to me.
I think Squale is very underrated, especially given is history in the diving world and their contributions to case's they have made for much larger brands, Blancpain, doxa, and others. I also like the fact that they have stayed true to only making tool watches and continue to make only dive watches. Their quality is great, and you get a tone of watch for the money.
I love Squale. Most are too big for me. The 1521 is a masterpiece frankly. But I would like to see some new stuff from them
Totally agree with RK on Rolex. Have IWC, omega, Lange and Patek, but Rolex is just so great for the money. Strip all the social stuff. It’s such a nice watch. Patek is actually a bit disappointing for what they charge for them. 324 movements ”upgrade” to 330 by adding a hacking seconds. Come on. Lazy as hell.
I think Lange is still under rated to be honest. Such lovely watches.
Great episode, as a big fan of the early swatch era Breguets it's painful to see where they are today. I do think the new generation of Marines are awkward. Same with the new Type XXs which feel awkward with the extreme vintage apperance but also size, lack of case fluting, and the awful date. But I do love my classique gmt/alarm and can't wait to pick up the marine big date.
I’m with RJ here. An OP or Datejust for the price is a no brainer, especially if you consider the competition in their sphere.
Regarding looking down on Rolex, I've been doing that for 15 years now. But I never underestimate their ability to crank out 1.2 million quality well built watches per year. The build quality is not why I look down on them. It's literally everything else. :)
JLC is underrated.
JLC is at a curious spot that they are well-known and respected - but somehow, you don't see a lot of JLC on the wrists. The quality is there, the history is there, not to mention an iconic design that are instantly recognizable from across the room. Yet, JLC often seems to take a backseat in the world of quality watch brands.
They have some iconic designs, but none of them really hits a home run besides the reverso. Cases are bland and invoke less emotion than with many other brands (unfortunately cause the quality is there). Also, they are not sports oriented and the watch community at this moment is.
RJ: Glad you speak your mind and, IMHO, the truth. I agree with you about Rolex. I heard an "expert" online recently give Rolex a "C+" grade overall. Obviously, the buying public disagrees. I can love my Omega and appreciate my Rolex at the same time.
That Leica watch is actually an amazing watch!👌🏻
Excellent analysis
Really nice discussion and nice picks as well. Zenith and Breguet for what they represent in the horology history, had definitively to be in the list.
Also as another person commented, JLC could make the cut. Maybe the ("crazy"?) price increases as of late didn't play in their favour? :)
As for Rolex, really liked what RJ explained about the brand and their products. They do make great product with quality an timing precision at a huge scale. Something people tend to forget, because unfortunately as of recent years (and for shady reasons), availability has been an issue.
You can always debate on prices (it is "luxury" product after all), but the designs (ok you could still find some that weren't good, but it's true for every brand), the innovation (yes yes :) and the quality are really good.
People will say it was because of marketing and so on, but a bad product even with a good marketing wouldn't last for so long.
And if you have one, wear it because you like it and not to impress or any reasons of that sort.
On a side note at Fratello team, keep on with the talks and passionate discussions, it's a really cool format.
I wear a Steinhart Ocean One. It's a HULK homage. I love the ETA 2824-2 movement. It's a high adventure watch for my active South Florida lifestyle. ❤
I own a Breguet 7097 and it’s far finer than any Patek or AP that I’ve held. The quality is insane and I’m lowkey happy they’re unappreciated because a mint 7097 in white gold at $24K is the best bargain in high horology.
Hear hear!
Great discussion. Easily could do a part 2.
Deep cut of the day: The Speedmaster looks good on a strap.
It's the only way I wear mine.
Same for me.
Brilliant as always👍
Thanks!
I won't say I fully agree with the last brand (not CWC) however I get the point trying to be made. My favourite brand mentioned was Bréguet, because I believe they are leaving a lot on the table
The surprise of the day is that new Omega FOIS reissue. You should compare it to the numbered FOIS. Different enough? Particularly interested in that new sapphire.
Perhaps a next time, we shoot these podcasts not on the day itself of course :-)
Great episode en I agree with most suggestions. But only 1 brand is by far the most overlooked and underrate and you guys mentioned it. IT IS BREGUET. A much bigger history than Patek, VC and AP together. With the right marketing and diving into their history this should be the nr 1 brand. I only do not agree when you start talking about 34-35-36 mm watches. Yes the HUGE watches trend is over , we don't need 44+ but please keep it 38-39-40 and don't go back to 36 and less, also this will be a fad.
Longines has been releasing great new watches in the Heritage lines along with their newer sports watches that are great watches.
What about Elliot Brown for sbs also?
Zenith seems underrated. Not by us nerds, but by the masses. Why yes, I’m wearing an El Primero right now, I might be biased!
6:02 It's like the equivalent of Caterham Cars and their Seven.
Ebel is so underrated and also on the newer models they're putting lots of quality
We have some coming in soon! RJ owns an Ebel El Primero from the 1980s, let’s see how these compare
@@FratelloMagazine me too El Primero movement 😛
Rolex: the underrated 800lb gorilla with infinity money. Rated correctly I'd say. Love the GP and Zenith picks! 👌 Would love to add a GP to the collection.
Definitely agree that Zenith is underrated. For example, The Aaron Rodgers watch came out last October, it is absolutely a beautiful timepiece. A watch that is really never talked about.
Because it's Aaron Rodgers...a bizarre and frankly dumb choice as a brand ambassador.
At the 2:34 marker, I was thinking Breguet. Archetype of what's being described. And lo and behold, RJ starts with Breguet. They are underrated.
Breguet, however, should not move to more modern design. I truly hope they will never go down that gauche road. They probably will, but they shouldn't.
Regarding Hermes, they don't need marketing. One goes to Hermes, and if one is lucky, one is granted a purchase. Out of their benevolence. Hermes is a grumpy brand. One of the grumpiest. And I don't say this often: Rightfully so.
I think Jaeger-LeCoultre is underrated. It's too often seen as only the reverso, but they offer so much more and for enthusiasts who buy second wrist, the choices are vast and plentiful of quirks and complications. With outstanding quality to price ratio. Glashütte Original is also not respected as much as it should
Sinn is still very underrated!
Jaquet Droz is quality wise insane, yet discarded :(
The problem with the Breguet Marine is simple. Those Roman numerals are hideous.
The issue with Rolex is that they have a sour taste to the watch enthusiast industry. The policy to getting a watch is really absurd. This is the reason I turn to other brands such as Omega, Zenith, Cartier, IWC.
Rolex is less about the watch, and more about a certain status it projects. Am I a fan? Not really.
It’s as much about the watch as you want it to be.
Sinn because of their weird sales model, and also Tutima and maybe Eterna 🤔
Odd to have 3 people in this discussion wearing the classic enthusiast brand watches. I think brands like Longines, Mühle Glashütte, AnOrdain, Naoya Hida, Hajime Asaoka or Sinn are underrated and deserve more attention.
It doesn’t mean they don’t have any other watches that fit the topic.
@@FratelloMagazine I didn't say that. It is just a noticeable miss.
@@cylentoneWe love watches, one doesn’t rule out the other.
Yes, but, without criticising Fratello because they have relatively broad taste, the watch community is basically very conformist, especially at 'higher levels'. It's like how almost everybody talks about how great Grand Seiko or Zenith watches are yet hardly anyone buys them.
Luxury watch buying is largely a status seeking activity, regardless of what people say, so it makes sense that tastes generally follow predictable patterns.
Any brand that is compared to Rolex's prices steadiness, and in effect losing and not being bought by a customer is underrated.
A watch is measured by its value on 2nd hand market instead for what it is and what it makes you feel.
Will there be an issue about overrated watchbrands too ;) ?
I'm surprised no one mentioned Rolex.
You didn't watch the video, did you? ;-)
😅
I disagree about Breguet. Yes, it is underrated but no, it doesn't need to change a thing. There's a reason why it's been around for so long, and it doesn't need to join the homogeneity trend and do what all the other "big brands" do. Breguet makes wonderfully beautiful and classic watches, and I hope that it will continue doing so.
Well, in the end, they need to sell watches. And that’s what is not happening right now. Hopefully they will be back on people’s radars soon.
The reason we look down on Rolex is because of their stupid wait list and their idiot ADs. Thats why.
That’s exactly what was said in the video.
@@FratelloMagazine yeah, I commented literally right before it. too quick. haha
Saying that Breguet is on par with Lange is a little bit of a stretch, you can even argue that Patek is not quite on par with Lange in terms of finishing
We will leave that up to the watchmakers to decide. Patek, Lange, Breguet, Vacheron etc all do an excellent job when it comes to finishing.
News flash men are growing taller and bigger this isn’t France I’m 6”1 255 and have a 8 in wrist these 36 ladies watches are just that. You guys sit there musing like the elites that you think you are. Same boring talk of high priced watch that most people can’t afford. Why not open a museum put them under glass and those who want to waste their time can marvel at their unobtainable beauty. Keep it real boys who are you speaking to 3% of the population.
Well of course they're talking to 3% of the population. 97% of the population aren't into watches. And you'd be surprised at how small a watch you can pull off (not that you should go that way if it's not what you're into). Look at the Sopranos. James Gandolfini, who was 6'1" and never weighed less than 260lbs during the series wore a 36mm Rolex Day Date as Tony Soprano, and I don't think anyone would think it looked too small for him. Of course, I'm only 5'7" and 180 lbs myself and I'm wearing a 44mm watch as I type this, so bigger is ok too. Just find and wear what speaks to you. If a classic (and expensive) dress watch is your thing, an IWC Portugieser 44mm would probably be a good fit for a gentleman of your stature. A large or XL Santos De Cartier would work great as well. Or if you're not crazy enough to spend thousands, there are really nice steel G Shocks that start at a few hundred on Sakura Watch. That's the fun thing about this hobby. There is something for everyone and it's about finding the watch that is for you personally and no one else.
Alpina, Maurice Lacroix, Louis Erard ….underrated brands
Oris is the most underrated watch brand
Bregeut shouldn't be part of the Swatch group. Richemont would be more suitable. Swatch have no idea what to do with them and don't care. The other problem is that dress watches are out, especially in the west. We are all plebs now, so elevated tool watches are in. Hopefully dress watches make a comeback sometime in the future.
I also think watch lovers should reject brands like Hermes moving into their space. Let them just make overpriced bags for
My Rolex gains .2 seconds a week 😲
Ok, I'm gonna push back on Rolex being underrated. I'm sorry, but they are overrated, overpriced, and are not that special. Are they good? Sure. Are they better made than an IWC Ingenieur in titanium? Maybe for all I know, I've never handled one of those.Still, can you get watches that are just as good or better for way kess than a Rolex at MSRP? Absolutely. In the early 2020's I worked for a grey market retailer that sold Rolexes below MSRP (yes that existed not too long ago). No, we didn't have Daytonas or GMT Masters, but plenty of Datejusts, Yatchtmasters, and the occassional steel Sub, and objectively they are not any nicer than a Seamaster (another watch we sonetimes sold), or AquaTerra that retail for thousands less. In fact, the Sub is not any nicer than a Seiko Marinemaster (which I wore when selling and showing some of those Rolexes, so I've handked and tried them on side by side). Now, if you own and love a Rolex, don't let me rain on your parade, I can't tell you your taste is "wrong". But the idea that they have anything that an Omega or high end Seiko (a Marinenaster is/was a $2-$3K Seiko you won't find at Macy's or Kay's) is just silly. They''re realistically worth maybe a grand more than their Tudor counterparts with the rest of the RRP being pure brand tax (Which isn't an insult. Tudors sre great watches and they aren't cheap). Value at RRP? I guess if you're gonna sell one later to buy something else (they don't take the same kind of hit on the secondary market that an Omega or top of the line Seiko dies). Otherwise, you either have to really hate the proportions of the competition or else you're overpaying by thousands.
Seiko's high end divers make the Pelagos look like a toy,